Fostering from the Heart

Every kind of home. Every kind of heart.

At Rocky Mountain Dachshund Rescue, we know that Utah homes come in all shapes and sizes. So do our dogs. Some thrive in homes with children. Some need peace and quiet. All of them need love, structure, and a safe place to heal. That’s where you come in.

In Utah, and the mountain-west, we know that home and heart matter deeply. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet season of life, part of a busy family, or somewhere in between—you have something special to offer a homeless dachshund. Your home–and your heart–can change a dachshund’s life.

At Rocky Mountain Dachshund Rescue, we’re looking for more Utahns to open their homes to foster dogs in need. Our fosters are people just like you—parents, young couples, empty nesters, single adults, and families navigating all kinds things life is tossing your way, but with room in your heart to help a little dog in need.

What Does Fostering Mean?

Fostering is a short-term, supported act of service and care:
You welcome a homeless dachshund into your home, help them heal, and prepare them for adoption. You choose when you’re available to foster, and our team is with you every step of the way.

It’s perfect for:

• Families looking for a meaningful shared project

• Adults or couples with calm homes and flexible time

• Empty nesters missing daily connection

• Those experiencing transition, looking to give and receive love

• People who want to help but can’t adopt right now

• Temp-only homes while other fosters travel or need time off for medical needs

Why People Foster

Fostering isn’t just about the dogs—it’s about purpose. Our fosters have experienced:

• Loving a dog and being loved in return

• A new way to serve with love

• A sense of structure and purpose

• The joy of seeing real change in a small dog’s life

• A reminder that kindness still matters

• A reminder that -you- matter
• A way to bring family focus to caring for your foster dog
• Finding a do-able way to reduce suffering in the world

When the dog you’ve cared for finds a forever home, you’ll see the impact you made. (You see it as they receive vet care and gain more confidence too.)

We’ve Got You Covered

You’re never alone. We offer:

• Free live training and friendly foster team support

• All vet care and medical bills covered

• Help with supplies (including harness, dog beds, and pee pads)

• A foster coordinator to guide and check in regularly

• Temporary foster coverage when you travel

🏡 A Place for Everyone

We honor every kind of family, and every kind of heart. If you have a safe space, a little time, and a desire to help, there’s a dachshund out there who needs exactly what you have to give.

🐾 Ready to learn more or sign up? Start Here

5-Steps: How to Become an RMDR Foster

1. Apply to foster with Rocky Mountain Dachshund Rescue
2. We check your references and with your vet. Are current pets up to date on vaccinations and wellness visits? Rescued dogs often come in needing to be brought up to date on vaccinations, and some have unknown history if at the shelter. We want to keep your pets safe.
3. Home check: we review your home photos/videos indoors and out–is the yard clean, is your fence secure, is there green space for potty breaks. Inside, it’s like considering if your home is baby proofed. We may make a couple of suggestions to help you get ready 
4. Foster Trainer will get in touch to schedule online training
5. Foster Coordinator will invite you to our online community and we’ll add you to our queue of available fosters. Note: you have the choice to decide if a dog is the right fit for you. We will help find another foster if it is not a good fit.

Questions? Contact us or text/call 801 432-0785 and we’ll give you a call! Learn more about our work in our 2024 Annual Report. We’d like you to meet our RMDR Alumni!

You -can- make a difference–right here in Utah, fostering one small dog at a time.